Woodbury Head Chef Arrested on Multiple First Degree Sexual Assault Charges Following Allegations of Employee Extortion

Walid Gad, 55, was arrested for the sexual assault of restaurant employees in Woodbury. Allegations include threats of deportation and attempted bribery for silence.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 30, 2026, 5:11 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from KCRG

A Systematic Pattern of Workplace Abuse

Law enforcement officials in Woodbury, Connecticut, have announced the arrest of Walid Gad following an extensive investigation into allegations of predatory behavior at a local dining establishment. Gad, a 55 year old resident of Waterbury, served as the head chef and allegedly utilized his position of authority to target employees. The Connecticut State Police Western District Major Crime Squad began looking into the matter in August 2025 after three former employees came forward to report a series of assaults. The victims informed authorities that the incidents took place between January and June of 2025 within the confines of the restaurant.

Exploitation of Immigrant Status and Threats

The investigative affidavit paints a disturbing picture of how Gad allegedly maintained control over his victims. Several of the individuals who first reported the abuse were undocumented immigrants, a factor that Gad reportedly used as leverage. One victim detailed multiple instances of forced sexual contact, stating that Gad threatened to contact immigration authorities and terminate her employment if she sought help. This dynamic created a climate of fear that allowed the abuse to continue for months before the victims felt secure enough to approach the Woodbury Resident Trooper’s Office.

Allegations of Corporate Silence and Bribery

The case extends beyond the actions of the head chef, as the restaurant’s management is also under scrutiny. According to the affidavit, two victims initially approached the restaurant owner in June 2025 to report Gad’s conduct. Rather than taking disciplinary action or contacting the police, the owner allegedly offered the victims $20,000 in cash in exchange for a signed agreement to remain silent about the assaults. The victims reportedly declined the financial offer and chose to pursue criminal charges instead. While the specific restaurant name was omitted from the warrant, it was noted that the business operates a second location in Danbury.